General Discussion

Pharmacogenomics is a branch of medical science that studies how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to drugs. By combining principles of pharmacology and genomics, this field aims to create personalized treatment plans that maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects. It represents a key step toward the future of precision medicine.

Traditional drug therapy often follows a “one-size-fits-all” approach, where patients with the same condition receive similar medications and dosages. However, genetic differences can significantly affect how drugs are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

Pharmacogenomics helps identify these variations, allowing doctors to predict how a patient will respond to a particular medication.

For example, genetic testing can determine whether a person will metabolize a drug too quickly, too slowly, or at an average rate. This information helps healthcare professionals adjust dosages or choose alternative medications, improving safety and effectiveness. Pharmacogenomic insights are already being applied in…